Orange flags focus attention on Multiple Sclerosis

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- There's a field of flags on the lawn of the State Capitol today, as folks try to bring attention to multiple sclerosis.

One by one, they covered the lawn of the Capitol building with 6,000 orange flags. Even Rosie the service dog helped out. Orange is the color of the MS Society, and there are 6,000 people in Connecticut who have Multiple Sclerosis.

"My first attack was, I lost use of my right hand for about a month and a half," said Helen Ferreira, of Newington. "I was not able to hold a pencil, a toothbrush...."

It's a scary and baffling disease, and this is MS awareness day. You should be aware that the disease causes lots of different symptoms, and people who don't look sick really are.

"People ask me how I'm doing and if I say I'm good or I'm fine, that means my symptoms that day are tolerable. They're not debilitating," said Paula Bazydlo, of Wethersfield.

"And it varies day by day," asked News 8's Kent Pierce.

"Yes it does," Bazydlo replied.

Now, as healthy as some of the folks look, there are plenty of people with MS who need lots of care, and one of the things they want to get across to lawmakers is that for younger people especially, between 18 and 64 who need that kind of care, they want to make sure they can get it at home, instead of going into an institution.

"You need what," asked Pierce.

"More support, more awareness, more services and more funding for people who do need that kind of help," said Ferreira.

That's the reason for such a visible display outside the Capitol.
 
And that's why Robbin Goodskey is planting those flags, because one day her MS might not let her.

"I met so many people that have it that can't be here today, couldn't physically be here today," said New Hartford resident Goodskey. "And while I still can, and I am determined that I always will be able to, I'm going to come to things like this."

The next event she plans on coming to is the big MS Walk. It's coming up on Sunday, April 21st.

More information: www.ctfightsMS.org